Is a stomach hernia procedure an in-patient or out-patient procedure?

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A surgical procedure on a stomach, or hiatal, hernia requires in-patient treatment, according to Aria Health. If open surgery is performed, patients remain in the hospital for several days. However, laparoscopic surgery is sometimes an option, in which case patients often go home the next day.

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With a hiatal hernia, a section of the stomach forces its way up through the diaphragm, states Mayo Clinic. Most stomach hernias are small and cause no symptoms. Therefore, no treatment is required. However, a limited number of people experience heartburn and acid reflux that are not controlled by medication. Surgery is an option for these patients.

Surgery sometimes involves pulling the stomach back into its proper location, reducing the opening in the diaphragm or completely removing the hernia, says Mayo Clinic. If open surgery is performed, a large incision is made in the chest wall or abdomen, explains Aria Health.

Laparoscopic surgery is far less invasive because only small incisions are used, notes Aria Health. Patients have less pain and scarring. They recover fully in two to three weeks, which is half the time of open surgery. In a laparoscopic procedure, a tiny camera is placed inside the body through one of the short incisions, reports Mayo Clinic. The surgeon watches a monitor to guide the movements of the surgical instruments.